Committee Hearing, June 28, 2011

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT3 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, June 28, 20117 10:10 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY, CHAIR10 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.11 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN12 RESOLUTION 110313 - Resolution authorizing14 City Council's Legislative Oversight Committee to hold public hearings on immigration reform15 and the Pennsylvania Compact. - - -17 2

Good2 morning, ladies and gentlemen. The3 Committee on Legislative Oversight is now4 in session. There is no need for the5 presence of a quorum this morning,6 because this is an informational hearing7 on Resolution 110313, resolution8 authorizing City Council's Legislative9 Oversight Committee to hold public10 hearings on immigration reform and the11 Pennsylvania Compact.12 Good morning, Mr. Negrin.13 Before we get started,14 Councilwoman Blackwell, you had said you15 wanted to make a few remarks.16

Yes.17 Mr. Chairman, we wanted to thank you for18 your leadership in this area. So many of19 the people from the panel that we work20 with and Chairman Stan Straughter from21 the Mayor's Commission on African and22 Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and many23 people who are here from the Commission.24 This is such an important25 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 issue, and I commend you and the2 Committee for your willingness to take up3 this issue and certainly want to support4 you and this hearing and those who are5 testifying in any way we can.6

Thank you,7 Councilwoman. I appreciate that.8 Good morning, Mr. Managing9 Director. Please identify yourself for10 the record.11

Good morning. My12 name is Richard Negrin. I'm Managing13 Director and Deputy Mayor for14 Administration and Coordination for the15 City of Philadelphia.16 Would you like me to begin my17 testimony?18

Please.19 Thank you.20

Thank you,21 Councilman Kenney and members of the22 Committee. I am here to testify on23 Resolution No. 110313 relating to24 immigration reform and the adoption of25 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 7 A 2008 Brookings Institute8 report characterized the Philadelphia9 metropolitan area as a reemerging10 immigrant gateway. In fact, since 1990,11 this region has witnessed a phenomenal12 increase in the immigrant population. 19 Overall, language and ethnic20 minorities in the City represent roughly21 percent of the population. Latinos22 are the largest language and ethnic23 minority in the City comprising roughly24 12 percent of the population, and the25 5 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 6 percent, 179,000 folks of the local8 population. 11 citizens. Approximately 71,000 of the12 foreign born entered the City in 2000 or13 later. 19 New immigrants to the City and20 State are also essential to our economic21 growth and vitality. S. 25 6 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 10 All this points to one single11 fact, that the immigrants have only12 enhanced this great city and state, and13 they were the reason why Philadelphia14 bumped Phoenix, Arizona back to No. 20 Philadelphia can no longer be21 viewed with a traditional black and white22 construct. The spirit of this city and23 country was born of immigrants, built on24 a foundation of hard work, fueled by25 7 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 optimism and bolstered by an unwavering2 belief that our lives can be better here3 in America and specifically here in4 Philadelphia. 7 As the son of Cuban immigrants,8 I can personally attest to the dream of a9 better life in America. My parents were10 hoping to provide me with a better life11 in this country with freedoms,12 opportunities, opportunities to become13 educated. 19 Since the beginning of this20 Administration, Mayor Nutter has21 emphasized the important roles that22 immigrants play in the City. In 2008, he23 signed Executive Order 9-08 ensuring24 access to City programs for25 8 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 limited-English proficient residents. In2 2009, the Mayor signed Executive Order3 8-09 ensuring access of immigrants to all4 City services. In addition to5 establishing these executive orders, the6 Mayor also established an Office of7 Multicultural Affairs under Izzy Colon8 and reinstated the Commission on Asian9 American Affairs, a number whose members10 are here today. 14 As Managing Director and Deputy15 Mayor, our Mayor has asked me to ensure16 that all City agencies are welcoming and17 able to respond to our growing ethnic18 population. To this end, Global19 Philadelphia, the City's language access20 program, overseen by Assistant Managing21 Director next to me, David Torres, is22 coordinated through my office. Global23 Philadelphia's primary focus is the24 building of sustainable infrastructure25 9 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 within and across departments to ensure2 meaningful access to City services for3 all Philadelphians so that4 English-language proficiency is never a5 barrier to City services. Through6 interpretation and translation resources,7 Philadelphians can interact with any City8 agency in their preferred language. As I9 often say, which is one of David's mottos10 for Global Philadelphia, in Philadelphia11 we speak your language. Additionally, in12 the past year, we have begun implementing13 cultural sensitivity training for14 front-line City staff. 23 Despite our ongoing efforts, in24 the recent past immigrants have been the25 10 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 target of negative stereotypes and2 attacks across the state. In our own3 State Legislature, there are some 184 bills under consideration that negatively5 target and impact immigrants and the6 working poor. HB 738 and HB 798, for7 example, impose immigration-related8 requirements on local law enforcement9 officers.

HB 41 and SB 9 would require10 that access to certain benefits such as11 access to health centers be contingent on12 the use of a government-issued13 identification, which has a14 disproportionate impact on the working15 poor. Finally, HB 934 would require16 voters to present identification to vote,17 which would negatively impact not only18 immigrants but key sectors of our19 citizens, including seniors, the homeless20 and racial minorities. 25 11 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Several of these bills mimic a2 pattern of anti-immigrant sentiment that3 has dramatically exemplified last year in4 the State of Arizona Legislature when5 they passed SB 1070. 13 Mayor Nutter has been clear on14 this issue. 21 The Mayor encourages proposals22 that focus immigrant enforcement efforts23 on genuine security threats and violent24 criminals; that makes it easier for25 12 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 13 On behalf of the Mayor, I14 applaud Councilman Kenney and15 Councilwoman Blackwell's ongoing efforts16 toward making Philadelphia an17 immigrant-friendly city and support an18 ongoing dialogue on effective immigration19 reform and the Pennsylvania Compact. The20 Mayor is also very supportive. In fact,21 to substantiate his support, the Mayor22 agreed to sign, enthusiastically agreed23 to sign, on to the Pennsylvania Compact,24 and he urges all other Pennsylvania25 13 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 3 If we are to continue our ascent as one4 of America's great destination cities, we5 must welcome those coming from a broad6 cross-section of the world to help7 comprise our very diverse Philadelphia8 mosaic. 14 Thank you for the opportunity15 to testify. 17

Thank you18 very much.19 Mr. Torres, do you have20 anything to add or you're just here for21 information purposes?22

I'm just here for23 information purposes.24

Great.25 14 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 I'm not going to get into this2 today at length, but on Thursday past,3 Council passed unanimously a resolution4 urging the government here in5 Philadelphia and the District Attorney's6 Office and the Courts to opt out on7 August 31st of this so-called Secure8 Communities arrangement with ICE. I'm9 not looking for your formal position on10 this. I'm urging you as the11 representative of the government here12 today to continue to press that issue,13 that it is so un-American and so14 unconscionable the way our own government15 treats people, human beings, in the guise16 of Homeland Security, which is a total17 disconnect relative to the people they're18 in many ways rounding up and sending out19 of the country.20 So, again, I don't think you're21 in a position today to make a statement22 on that, but I would urge you to continue23 to press the Mayor and whoever else in24 the government you need to talk to to let25 15 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 them see that this particular agreement2 has been a disaster for Philadelphia and3 for other major cities and states in the4 country.5

Thank you. I6 understand your concern. I was a part of7 some of those conversations last year.8 It's a difficult issue. I know it's9 something that we continue to look at on10 a regular basis. I'm happy to do that.11

Thank you12 very much.13 Any questions for Mr. Negrin?14 (No response.)15

Thank you16 very much for your testimony.17

Great. Thank you.18

Brad19 Baldia, Anne O'Callaghan and Varsovia20 Fernandez.21 (Witnesses approached witness22 table.)23

Is Varsovia24 here?25 16 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131

No. I think she's2 en route.3

Okay.4 Whoever is ready, please identify5 yourself.6

Good morning. My7 name is Brad Baldia. I'm the Executive8 Director of Pennsylvania Immigration and9 Citizenship Coalition. PICC is a10 statewide organization made up of 5011 organizations that represents, advocates12 for the needs of migrants, refugees and13 immigrants in the Commonwealth. I am14 here today to speak in support of a15 resolution endorsing the Pennsylvania16 Compact.17 The Pennsylvania Compact is a18 statement of principles designed to guide19 the decisions of lawmakers in20 Pennsylvania on policy issues relating to21 immigration. The Compact emphasizes the22 importance of federal solutions to23 immigration issues, respect for law24 enforcement, strong families and a free25 17 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 economy. Most of all, however, it2 reminds us that our nation was founded3 here in Pennsylvania on the principles of4 liberty, equality and prosperity for all.5 The Compact urges us to work towards the6 free and welcoming society that William7 Penn envisioned for our Commonwealth and8 to treat newcomers in a way that will9 reflect favorably on Pennsylvania around10 the world.11 I am particularly honored to be12 here today, because the City of13 Philadelphia is at the epicenter of14 Pennsylvania's immigrant community. As I15 am sure you know, recently released16 census data showed that Philadelphia's17 population grew for the first time in 6018 years. The Philadelphia Inquirer19 reporters Michael Matza and John20 Duchneskie pointed out in their March21 13th article, entitled "Immigrant Surge:22 Why the Area Grew," that absent Hispanic23 and Asian newcomers, it would not have24 grown at all. A 2008 study by the25 18 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Brookings Institution found that 752 percent of Philadelphia's labor-force3 growth since 2000 is attributable to4 immigrants and directly links this5 crucial influx to policies like Global6 Philadelphia. Immigrant contributions7 make Philadelphia the economically and8 culturally vibrant city it is today, and9 we must continue to welcome this positive10 growth.11 In addition to acknowledging12 the importance of immigrant workers to13 Pennsylvania's economy, the Pennsylvania14 Compact supports the discretion and15 judgment of local enforcement. Our16 Department of Police here in Philadelphia17 has done a tremendous job in keeping our18 communities safe and must focus their19 limited resources on fighting crime in20 our city. The last thing these21 hard-working men and women in uniform22 need is an unfunded mandate from23 Harrisburg that would require them to do24 the job of the federal government.25 19 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Thank you so much to Councilman2 Kenney and Councilwoman Blackwell for3 introducing this resolution and4 organizing this hearing. I am honored to5 have had this opportunity to have spoken6 to you today and to have City Council's7 support for the Pennsylvania Compact.8

Thank you9 for your testimony.10 Anne, please identify yourself.11

Good morning,12 and thank you very much for the13 opportunity to testify in support of this14 important Compact. 18 The Welcoming Center is a19 non-profit economic development20 organization, and each year we place more21 than 300 work-authorized immigrants in22 jobs across our region. From lab23 technicians to electrical engineers to24 nurses, the men and women we work with25 20 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 3 And it's not just their4 talents. 10 Let's talk numbers. As we've11 heard from Brad and the Managing12 Director, immigrants make up 11 percent13 of the labor force in the Philadelphia14 region. Compared to many other American15 cities, immigrants here are more likely16 to work in managerial or professional17 occupations. 24 Those earnings return to our local25 21 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 4 Immigrants also start5 businesses. 13 In addition to generating sales14 and property taxes, these businesses15 create jobs, an average of four employees16 per store on one typical corridor. 19 Beyond mom-and-pop stores,20 immigrants are responsible for some of21 the biggest and fastest-growing companies22 in the United States today. A recent23 report from the Partnership for a New24 American Economy, a national alliance of25 22 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 4 That means that nearly one in5 five Fortune 500 companies were launched6 by a newcomer to our country. 7 trillion, and one of9 them, Comcast, is headquartered right10 here in Philadelphia. 12 Our city also benefits from the13 international talent attracted by our14 colleges and universities. These men and15 women are conducting the research that16 will lead to innovative technologies of17 tomorrow. 22 Finally, amidst the sound and23 fury of the immigration debate, it's24 important to note that unauthorized25 23 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 immigrants are also contributing to our2 region's economic health. 9 There are many reasons for10 Philadelphia to celebrate the immigrant11 members of our community, and I've just12 spoken about a few. As an immigrant13 myself, one thing I don't take for14 granted is the history of America. " In22 Philadelphia, I found that job and a23 great deal more besides. Like today's24 immigrants, I married and raised a25 24 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 family. I started my own business,2 eventually sold it. So I know a little3 about this American dream. 10

Thank you11 very much for your testimony.12 Varsovia, please identify13 yourself for the record.14 Is Sue Montella here?15

Yes.16

Thank you,17 Councilman.18

Could you19 come up, please.20

My name is21 Varsovia Fernandez and I am President and22 CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic23 Chamber of Commerce, and I acknowledge24 you all for being here today and25 25 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 allotting time to express views in2 support of principles which hopefully3 will serve to guide us all as a matter of4 conviction and not just the law in5 pursuing a reasonable approach to6 immigration in Philadelphia and7 eventually the Commonwealth.8 Those of us familiar with the9 topic understand that unreasonable issues10 surrounding immigration in the United11 States have gone unresolved for too long.12 We also know that inaction in Congress13 has left everyone across America at the14 mercy of local law enforcement, causing15 confusion, adding grief, costs and burden16 to government and families.17 The Pennsylvania Compact18 provides a foundation to guide anyone19 addressing immigration in the spirit of20 what our country stands for - government,21 law, family, economy and freedom. What22 makes the United States unique is our23 ability to march on the streets to defend24 our beliefs under a government that25 26 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 protects our right as people to do so.2 The Pennsylvania Compact asks legislators3 and officials to respect these freedoms4 in the best interest of our people.5 Keeping our families together6 is vital to the health of our businesses,7 communities and our progress, especially8 when newly migrating families choose to9 live among us because they run from10 overarching political systems to stay and11 seek the American dream. It is these12 families who make it possible for our13 society to evolve, to flourish, to14 maintain economic vitality and to lay15 foundations for American generations.16 Today we reap the benefits of17 yesterday's immigrants like Alexander18 Bell, who founded Bell Company, what is19 today Verizon, and Amadeo Giannini who20 gave us the Bank of Italy, which grew21 into Bank of America. Let's not reject22 the future of our communities because of23 critique and let's evaluate them on24 merit. America opened for business in25 27 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Philadelphia, thanks to the sons and2 daughters of immigrants, and today we3 have an opportunity to lead again. We4 are the place where America started, a5 city of firsts.6 Pennsylvania Compact allows7 legislators and officials to respectfully8 review the contributions immigrants make9 to our economy by using their wage and10 business revenues to enhance the budget11 deficits we have been facing for the past12 few years. Immigrant businesses are13 employers and revitalize neighborhoods.14 They help us create wealth and globalize15 from within Pennsylvania, helping us16 increase exports. Immigrants help us17 create American leadership. They have18 allowed the Commonwealth to keep seats in19 Congress, and immigrant markets support20 the consumer index. These contributions21 should say that we are open for business22 and that negative numbers are not23 welcome.24 We know that immigration reform25 28 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 is a federal issue, but it is individuals2 who move issues forward. I am here today3 to urge City Council to adopt4 Pennsylvania Compact and to make5 Philadelphia a leader in pursuing a6 positive environment for crucial7 conversations about policies that make8 sense in the best interest of the people.9

Thank you10 very much for your testimony.11 Any questions for this panel?12 (No response.)13

Seeing14 none, thank you very much.15 Ms. Montella, Stan Straughter,16 Nina Ahmad.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19

Please20 identify yourself for the record.21

My name is Susan22 Montella and I'm the Community Outreach23 Manager for the Friends of the Library.24 With the Friends of the Library, I have25 29 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 the unique opportunity to work with2 Philadelphians across the City, and it is3 from this experience that I am sharing my4 impressions today, with a special focus5 on our youth.6 When the Friends at Haddington7 Library at 65th and Girard formed, they8 chose two goals. The first was to9 provide fun cultural enrichment programs10 for the neighborhood children, which they11 called Teen Cafe, and a safe environment12 in the library. The second goal was to13 improve public safety by building14 relationships with the local police.15 After the programming at Teen Cafe was16 underway, Friends invited local police17 officers to meet the 40-plus children who18 regularly attend. The idea was for19 children and police to get to know each20 other and to teach the children safety21 tips.22 But the first visit from the23 police was chilling. As the officers24 entered the room, total chaos broke out.25 30 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Children screamed, others tried to bolt2 for the door, and some actually ducked3 under tables. Clearly, we saw that the4 children perceived the police as a5 threat.6 Now it's a different scenario7 at Teen Cafe. The officers stop by each8 week. They chat with children, and no9 one tries to hide. The officers have10 actually told us that they've gotten good11 information from the children and from12 this relationship. It's heartwarming to13 see the transformation.14 But in neighborhoods across the15 City, the Friends have discovered that16 this is a problem throughout. We have a17 lot of work to do in this area. So my18 question today for those who would19 support making police act as immigration20 agents is, how can we expect children to21 have a sense of security in their22 community if they feel threatened by the23 very people who are there to protect24 them? And won't the existing problem25 31 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 that we have be compounded when local2 police become involved in immigration3 enforcement? And what are the long-range4 effects on our children in the City when5 children are forced to deal with6 profiling at such an early age?7 The Friends hold that there are8 many reasons why police should not act as9 immigration agents. Diminishing a10 child's childhood is one of them.11 Thank you, Councilman Kenney,12 very much and Councilwoman Blackwell for13 this wonderful leadership you've provided14 and for making this resolution a reality.15

Thank you16 for your testimony. I understand you17 have to leave, so you're dismissed.18 Thank you.19

Thank you.20

Ms. Bailey,21 are you here?22 (No response.)23

Is Dorothy24 Bailey here?25 32 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 (No response.)2

Okay.3 Whoever would like to begin, please4 identify yourself for the record.5

6 My name is Stanley Straughter. 11 Blackwell, I want to thank you for12 convening this important hearing in13 support of the Pennsylvania Compact, and14 I want to go on record that the15 Commission and all of our members16 actively support this work and want to17 thank our colleagues, PICC, my colleague18 here, Dr. 21 Let me first point out that22 Philadelphia has been a model city on23 this immigration, especially with respect24 to the African and Caribbean immigrant25 33 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 community. Almost every place I go2 around the country, they say, How do you3 guys do it? And while we may be still4 trying to figure out how we did it, we5 know we couldn't have gotten it done6 without the leadership of Councilwoman7 Blackwell and support of other members of8 the Council. So I want to thank you. 12 Also, the positive aspects of13 what's been going on here, I don't want14 it to get lost in this issue, but I want15 to make sure that everyone is clear, that16 the -- as Dr. Ahmad will probably speak17 to the Mayor's Commission, I will speak18 to -- the issues around foreign-born19 citizens in our city is really20 phenomenal. They make a significant21 economic impact on our city. We have22 had -- for the African immigrant23 community in particular, we've had24 consistent meetings with the District25 34 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Attorney's Office. 21 Our community, the African22 immigrant community, is -- the exact23 numbers, you heard about the census, but24 what is, I guess, not well known in the25 35 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 census is that we have about 60,0002 African immigrants, African and Caribbean3 immigrants in the Greater Philadelphia4 area. They have community organizations5 that run from Angola to Zimbabwe, and one6 of the larger coalitions of the7 organization is AFRICOM, the Coalition of8 African Organizations. We have African9 and Caribbean organizations that provide10 services to their respective communities,11 ACANA, the African and Cultural12 Association of North American and13 Southwest Philadelphia. The African14 Family Health Organization founded by15 Ms. Tiguida Kaba, who is on your witness16 list -- you will hear about it --17 provides healthcare to African and18 Caribbean immigrants that can't get19 access to it. The Haitian Professional20 Association of Philadelphia, a group of21 active and very intelligent Haitian22 professionals, young, who raised over a23 hundred thousand dollars and sent to24 Haiti during the most recent disaster25 36 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 there. 4 Pennsylvania has the second5 largest population of Liberians in the6 United States. We have about 40,000 in7 the Commonwealth, and about 20,000 of8 those live within the Greater9 Philadelphia area. And as is so10 recognized that the national leader of11 the Liberian Association lives and works12 in Philadelphia. 16 Africa, from my perspective,17 and the work that they're doing here has18 made a great economic impact to our19 community. Let me first say, one of the20 great aspects of it is that our Mayor,21 Michael Nutter, and Councilwoman22 Blackwell several weeks ago visited23 Southwest Philadelphia, the corridor24 where we have a lot of African and25 37 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Caribbean immigrants, Asian immigrants2 that are in business out there, and I3 think we dare say, as Ms. 11 On a larger macro scale, I12 mean, Africa is definitely linked to our13 community. We receive into our port from14 Africa over $18 billion, billion dollars,15 worth of goods and services. If those16 goods went away, we'd probably have an17 economic recession. 19 Only two places in the world where cocoa20 beans are grown.

Eighty percent of those21 cocoa beans comes from Ghana and the22 Ivory Coast, and we have gone on in our23 port here in Philadelphia to be the24 second largest stewards for cocoa beans25 38 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 in the entire United States. 9 Of course, oil. Those oil10 tanks that we see there near the Airport,11 that's a sweet crude that comes from12 Nigeria. Ten billion dollars a year of13 oil comes through our port here from14 Nigeria. 17 The weakness of this is that we18 just have not -- "we" as a community --19 have not looked at Africa as a20 destination for our exports, and one of21 our strategies going forward might be22 that we look at how to close this23 economic gap so we can ship more goods24 and services back to Africa as opposed to25 39 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 not doing anything about it at all. 8 So I would like to thank you9 for convening this meeting. It's10 important. 21

Thank you22 very much for your testimony.23 Please identify yourself.24

Good morning,25 40 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Chairperson Kenney and Committee members.2 My name is Nina Ahmad and I'm the Chair3 of Mayor Nutter's Commission on Asian4 American Affairs, as well as being a5 small businessowner. I am honored and6 pleased to be here today to speak in7 support of a resolution endorsing the8 Pennsylvania Compact and immigration9 reform.10 As has been stated, the11 Pennsylvania Compact is a statement of12 principles which urges a federal solution13 to immigration issues, asks police to14 focus on serious crime, not civil15 violations of the federal code, and16 encourages policies that keep families17 together, recognizes immigrants' role in18 the economy and upholds the tenets of a19 free society. This is not about a20 particular person or any individual21 politician or political party. It's22 about humanity in general. We must not23 forget that we are talking about real24 live individuals and families that live25 41 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 and work in our community.2 I am here to testify about3 potential, the potential of our immigrant4 community to help transform our City of5 Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection6 into a truly world-class city. I am an7 immigrant from Bangladesh and I'm8 extremely thankful for the opportunities9 I have been able to avail to be10 successful and to give back to my city11 and state. I am thankful to those who12 saw past my skin color, my foreign name13 and instead recognized my potential to be14 a productive citizen. Sure, I have15 encountered barriers along the way, and16 still do, but the faith of those who17 believe in me and my own faith in myself18 far outweigh these obstacles and helps me19 persevere in striving for my goals. I am20 most proud of my children, who are aware21 that they are lucky to be born and live22 in a country that affords them the23 ability to shape their future as they24 choose. My eldest daughter, a high25 42 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 school senior, has taken this to heart2 and was selected as one of the 1413 presidential scholars, one of the4 nation's highest honors for high school5 students. She is one of the two students6 representing Pennsylvania. Glancing at7 the bios of the 141 students in the8 brochure, a large number are children of9 immigrants. This is the promise and10 potential I am talking about. Every11 child should have the opportunity to12 shine in whatever endeavor they choose,13 regardless of their immigration status.14 The conversation about giving a15 path to citizenship for the undocumented16 immigrants should include the role that17 our foreign and trade policies play in18 creating the influx of such immigrants,19 how the lack of proper resources of20 settling refugees has caused the high21 rate of deportation amongst some22 communities where crimes committed as23 juveniles are haunting now productive24 residents. We need to change the25 43 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 discussion of immigration from one filled2 with fear, hate and/or race and reframe3 it in the context of human rights,4 workforce needs, aging population and5 global economy. The Pennsylvania Compact6 does exactly that, and I urge the7 esteemed Committee to resolve to adopt8 the Pennsylvania Compact and support9 immigration reform. Let Pennsylvania10 continue to shine the welcome beacon to11 those seeking a better life and continue12 to celebrate immigration and its role in13 shaping America's past, present and14 future. I am grateful to Councilman15 Kenney and Councilwoman Blackwell for16 introducing this resolution and17 organizing this hearing. I am thankful18 to the entire Committee for this19 opportunity to testify today.20 Thank you.21

Thank you22 very much for your testimony.23 Any questions for this panel?24 (No response.)25 44 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131

Seeing2 none, we thank you for coming.3 Let the record reflect that in4 addition to Councilwoman Blackwell, who5 was in our audience, and Councilman Goode6 and Councilman Greenlee, Councilwoman7 Reynolds Brown is also in attendance as a8 member of the Committee.9 Judith Ginsberg, Judy10 Bernstein-Baker and Hiro Nishikawa.11 (Witnesses approached witness12 table.)13

Whoever is14 prepared to begin, please identify15 yourself for the record.16

Good morning and17 thank you for this opportunity to speak.18 My name is Judith Ginsberg and I am a19 member of the Jewish Community Relations20 Council. I serve on the Immigration Task21 Force. The JCRC serves the needs of the22 Jewish community through community23 relations, government affairs, social24 action and advocacy. Consistent with25 45 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Jewish teachings and ethics, the JCRC is2 dedicated to improving intergroup3 understanding and to the enhancement of a4 just and pluralistic society.5 I am here today to testify in6 support of the Pennsylvania Compact.7 Rather than reiterate what previous8 witnesses have said pursuant to the9 Compact, I want to speak on why this10 issue is so important to the Jewish11 community.12 Migration has been a central13 element of the Jewish experience since14 biblical times when famine forced the15 Jewish people to flee Canaan and resettle16 in Egypt. This experience has been17 mirrored in American Jewish life with the18 immigration of Jews to the United States19 in search of religious freedom and20 economic opportunity. As a reflection of21 our history and based upon the biblical22 imperative to welcome the stranger, the23 American Jewish community has long24 advocated for fair and just immigration25 46 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 and refugee policies.2 In Leviticus, we are told, "You3 shall have one law for the stranger and4 the citizen alike."5 Along with other Jewish6 organizations such as HIAS Pennsylvania,7 the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish8 Council for Public Affairs and the9 Religious Action Center of Reform10 Judaism, we are committed to fair and11 generous immigration policies which we12 believe are fundamentally good for the13 United States and consistent with Jewish14 values.15 The need for an immigration16 policy that keeps families together and17 creates pathways to citizenship for18 undocumented immigrants, many of whom are19 our neighbors, employees and co-workers,20 is a moral and ethical issue. We are in21 danger of creating a permanent underclass22 that is a breeding ground for23 discrimination. A society free of24 prejudice and discrimination fosters25 47 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 conditions in which the American Jewish2 community and all communities alike are3 secure and free to flourish. This is why4 the JCRC supports the Pennsylvania5 Compact, a document that frames the6 immigration debate in Pennsylvania and7 Philadelphia. This frame should be8 rational, realistic and compassionate.9 Although we strongly feel that10 immigration reform requires federal, not11 local solutions, we also recognize the12 trend to enacting legislation on13 municipal and state levels and the need14 to address this issue. The principles15 enumerated in the Pennsylvania Compact16 are principles inherent in religious17 tradition. I thank Councilmembers Kenney18 and Blackwell for introducing this19 resolution and for taking the steps to20 encourage dialogue regarding a sensible21 and compassionate approach to policies22 with regard to immigration in23 Philadelphia.24 Again, thank you for your time25 48 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 and attention.2

Thank you3 for your testimony.4 Please identify yourself for5 the record.6

23 Immigrants today are similar to24 immigrants of generations ago, and we25 49 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 know this. We have those records. They2 seek opportunity, freedom, safety and a3 better future, and they are economic4 engines, as many before me have5 testified. 21 Instead, they create an atmosphere of22 hate and fear, and they will drive23 immigrants away from our state,24 undermining any hope of economic25 50 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 2 HIAS Pennsylvania stands with3 the more than 50 faith leaders -- and I4 circulated the letter signed by them --5 across the state who publicly oppose6 legislation which only turns neighbor7 against neighbor. One of the bills8 requires somebody to inform on their9 co-worker and forces local district10 attorneys to investigate if that person11 is undocumented. That's House Bill 738,12 the Arizona bill. 18 The Arizona bill did not begin19 in Arizona. It began in Hazleton,20 Pennsylvania. 25 51 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 4 We stand with families like the5 M family, whose mother is here legally on6 temporary protected status from El7 Salvador and has been here since 1990,8 but due to our broken immigration system,9 cannot sponsor her son. 15 We are really at a crossroads16 in our state. Will Pennsylvania enter17 the global, diverse world or shrivel up18 and become a shell of a society, lacking19 vibrancy and growth? Will we become a20 police state where everyone who looks21 foreign born or speaks with an accent22 will be looked upon with suspicion? Will23 we become a state that spends money --24 and I just looked at the state budget on25 52 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 how much money is being spent on welfare2 fraud. It's the only thing that's been3 increased -- while funding for education4 and poverty programs are cut? 9 The Pennsylvania Compact sets10 out those principles to change the11 agenda. We need to support the Compact,12 but we need to do more than this, because13 Philadelphia is a city that's friendly to14 immigrants, thanks to people like15 Councilman Kenney and Councilwoman16 Blackwell. And we need to urge our17 legislators in Harrisburg to understand18 that immigrants can be part of a19 solution, they are not the problem. 21 And just incidentally, I did22 attach a chart of the bills to my23 testimony where you can see the summary24 of those bills and also the letters sent25 53 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 2 We really need to change the3 conversation in our state. It is not4 just a matter of human dignity and5 survival. It's a matter of what we are6 going to become as a society. 12

Thank you13 for your testimony.14 Please identify yourself. Pull15 the microphone to you. Thank you.16

My name is Hiro17 Nishikawa and I'm a member of the18 Philadelphia Japanese American Citizens19 League.20 My testimony in support of the21 Pennsylvania Compact will be a little bit22 personal. My grandparents came from23 Japan in the 1900's at a time when the24 United States did not allow25 54 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 naturalization of immigrants, especially2 from Asia. My parents were born in3 California. They were brought back to4 Japan as youngsters because of economic5 conditions, but they exercised their6 birth right and came back to the United7 States some years later.8 Then 1941 happened. So 120,0009 of us, Japanese Americans, were10 incarcerated in concentration camps. I11 was one of them, with two other brothers.12 The United States government broke their13 own laws, ignored their own constitution14 in so doing.15 Fast forward to 1988.16 President Reagan signs a Civil Liberties17 Act acknowledging the wrongdoing of the18 United States government and breaking its19 own laws and seeks to not only redress20 but apologize for this error.21 Here we are in 2011 with a huge22 broken immigration system. It's long23 overdue that we address this as well,24 because the government is not perfect,25 55 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 laws are not perfect, and clearly they2 need changing and improving for the sake3 of humanity and also just to deal with4 the sense of American fairness, which has5 been prevailing off and on over the last6 250 years.7 Thank you very much.8

Thank you9 for your testimony.10 Any questions for this panel?11

Yes.12 COUNCILMAN KENNEY:13 Councilwoman Brown.14

Good15 morning. Good morning. Let me go on16 record to salute Councilman Kenney, who17 has been a real leader on this for all18 the time that I've been here, and19 Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell for the20 creation of the Commission.21 Your point is well taken about22 how and what we do with regards to23 helping the state recognize that America24 does not look like the State of25 56 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Pennsylvania, that it really does look2 more like this room. And so have you3 given thought to, either individually as4 organizations or collectively, how we5 strategically approach members of the6 State Legislature to help them first7 recognize this as an important issue and,8 two, what they can and should do at the9 state level to change the paradigm?10

Well,11 that's one of the ideas behind the12 Compact. What we modeled the Compact13 after was an exercise in Utah where we14 tried to bring together stakeholders who15 ordinarily don't get engaged in this16 discussion on immigration. So we want to17 bring together the faith community, the18 business community, the trades unions,19 the political leaders and other people to20 sign on to these principles and use that21 as a guide when we discuss legislation to22 shift the agenda.23 On the other hand, some of the24 legislation is advancing fairly quickly.25 57 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 So that's why these hearings are so2 important, to have people sign on as City3 Council people, as the Mayor and to4 encourage colleagues in other cities.5 For example, some of our colleagues are6 working in Allentown and Lancaster and7 Reading and other cities where immigrants8 play such a vital role.9 But I understand that sometimes10 state politicians have not been in11 discussion locally with populations whom12 they feel don't play a role in having a13 voice, and these include immigrants, many14 of whom are legal but not yet eligible to15 vote. So another thing that's so16 important -- and PICC has been playing a17 leading role and we play a role in18 that -- is helping people naturalize and19 vote.20 But this is a very good21 question, and I would ask you to help us22 strategize the answer, because23 Philadelphia is way ahead of the curve,24 but we need everybody in the state to25 58 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 pull together, and we certainly need our2 Philadelphia delegation to pull together.3

So let me4 ask a follow-up question. I'm of the5 belief if it's not in writing, it doesn't6 exist. So have letters been written as a7 starting point to members of the8 Legislature about the need for their9 involvement in this? Have meetings been10 set up, either collectively or11 individually? And, if so, what has been12 the nature of the followup?13

Actually,14 our letter that has 50 faith leaders was15 published in the Harris Patriot-News and16 we submitted it for publication in other17 journals, but PICC and the ACLU and HIAS18 is involved with -- the Bar Association19 and other groups have had community20 forums, and at every forum, letters are21 generated. So the letters are going out,22 but we could always use more letters, and23 we certainly will be happy to send you24 some sample letters that can go out.25 59 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Right now many of the bills in2 Harrisburg are before the State3 Government Committee, which is chaired by4 Representative Metcalfe. He's very5 serious about moving these bills in6 September. That's why it's important to7 get on board with the Compact and set out8 the series of principles while we also9 try to look at what we can do about10 stopping some of these very, very11 negative bills.12

Where is13 Representative Metcalfe from, what part14 of the state?15

Butler16 County, outside of Pittsburgh.17

Okay.18 Thank you very much.19 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.20

Thank you.21 One of the things I would maybe22 suggest, and it's more subjective than it23 is anything else, is to try to approach24 legislators from a perspective of their25 60 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 own historic ethnicity. I think the2 thing that I find which is so maddening3 sometimes with people who express4 anti-immigration sentiment directly to me5 is that they've lost touch with their own6 cultural history. An Irish person,7 American of Irish descent, who can8 express those ugly sentiments has no9 concept of what their people went through10 when they came here, church burnings and11 "no Irish need apply," and so on and so12 on and so on. The Italians in the turn13 of the century, not as bad as the14 Japanese, but in many ways were15 discriminated against during World War II16 because the Italian nation's17 participation in the Access Alliance. I18 mean, people were restricted to their19 homes. People's fishing boats were20 taken. I mean, the West Coast after21 Pearl Harbor was insane.22 But I don't think that they23 understand that for every group of people24 who come here, with the exception of25 61 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 African Americans -- and that's another2 whole story, because that's the great sin3 of this country that will probably never4 be actually taken into account totally --5 is that this country progressed over its6 history for two major issues, slavery,7 which was forced free labor on the backs8 of folks who provided wealth and allowed9 it to be concentrated in the hands of a10 small number of people through the use of11 slave labor, and the second came about as12 a result of onerous and terrible things13 that happened around the world, religious14 oppression, starvation, all kinds of15 things that force people here. But that16 was a positive thing, because they came17 here and they flourished and developed.18 I don't believe that a lot of19 those folks who sit in Harrisburg who are20 hyphenated Americans themselves21 understand their own people's history in22 this country, and I think that if we had23 experts in Irish history, Italian history24 and Jewish history and other type of --25 62 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 even the Germans' experience here, it2 would explain to them that the same3 ugliness that's being spouted by folks in4 the Legislature was being spouted against5 their great-grandparents or6 great-great-grandparents when they got7 here.8 There's an ironic, kind of9 funny but ironic, saying that anyone who10 is spouting these anti-immigration11 sentiments has been against immigration12 ever since they got here. And it really13 does fit in many cases.14 But I think that, again, this15 is a human issue, and I think that if16 they understood and had some exposure to17 their own cultural history in this18 country, they would maybe think twice19 before sending these prejudiced bills to20 the floor for a vote.21 So that's one of my22 suggestions, but I don't know if23 that's --24

Well, I25 63 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 know you've been a leader. We all know2 you've been such a leader in this,3 Councilman Kenney, and that you certainly4 have a grasp on this, and hopefully when5 we do community forums and public6 education and we do it within our own7 communities and within other communities,8 we can help people connect the dots.9

Even on a10 religious basis, they are flying -- their11 sentiments are flying in the face of what12 they purport their religious beliefs to13 be. I mean, it's so diametrically14 opposed to what the Bible teaches, both15 Old and New Testament, and the Koran and16 others. It just amazes me that people17 who purport themselves to be Christians18 or religious people would even think of19 doing things like this. But that's the20 irony of, I guess, our country today.21

I might add a22 comment. Your words are well taken.23 Certainly in the Japanese American24 community, we are trying to do what25 64 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 you're saying, because unless you get out2 your stories and get out your history,3 people forget, and this is amnesia that4 is multi-generational sometimes.5 So your point is very well6 taken. What we need to do is clone more7 of you.8

That's a9 frightening thought.10 Thank you for --11

Thank you12 very much to all the Councilpeople who13 took our testimony.14

Thank you.15 Susanna Dodgson, Jen Rock and16 Patience Lehrman.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19

Whoever is20 ready to begin, please identify yourself21 for the record.22

Good morning. My23 name is Dr. Susanna Dodgson. I am the24 publisher of Medical Journal of25 65 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Therapeutics Africa, which I started2 publishing in Philadelphia about four3 years ago at University of Sciences in4 Pennsylvania -- in Philadelphia.5 I just have a personal story.6 I am a member of the Mayor's Commission7 on African and Caribbean Affairs, and I8 want to tell you what a fabulous job they9 are doing with immigrants. I also pay10 close attention to what's happening at11 the Welcoming Center, which is a jewel.12 And you want to clone Irish people? Mrs.13 O'Callaghan is another one.14 My mother --15

They threw16 that mold away.17

My mother was18 Irish. I have been an immigrant myself19 six times, which sounds absurd, but it's20 true. I was born in England and I was21 dragged to Ireland when I was five years22 old to live with my mother's family.23 Then I was dragged to New Zealand when I24 was six, and then I was dragged to25 66 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Australia. And I'm telling you dragged.2 I did not want to go to any of these3 places.4 So I grew up in Australia, and5 after I finished my Ph.D., I was accepted6 as a post doc at the University of7 Pennsylvania, and I flew very happily to8 Philadelphia in 1978, and this is clearly9 where I belong. I'm still here.10 However, during my 32 years, I married a11 German and I moved briefly to Germany as12 a migrant, where I didn't speak the13 language, and for the past five years,14 I've been working in Africa and African15 communities, which makes me six times a16 migrant. And I can tell you one thing is17 common, no one wants you if you're a18 foreigner, and it doesn't matter what19 kind of family you come from. My parents20 were both physicians. I clearly come21 from a very privileged background, but I22 have some horrible stories, too. And I23 just want to tell you that the Mayor's24 Commission and the Welcoming Center is25 67 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 just -- they're just doing terrific stuff2 for immigrants. And I'm hearing horrible3 stories about African immigrants. For a4 while in New York, I was living in a room5 of a man who had been deported, a6 Nigerian, who was a model citizen for 177 years. He was stopped by a policeman8 because a light on his car was broken,9 and he was deported. For some reason, he10 hadn't been able to get his documents11 together in all that time. But there's12 one story after another.13 So I just urge you to keep14 doing whatever you're doing and support15 Councilmember Kenney and Councilmember16 Jannie Blackwell. Thank you so much.17

Thank you.18 Please identify yourself for19 the record.20

My name is Jennifer21 Rock. I'm the Co-Director for the New22 Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia.23 We're a multi-faith coalition, including24 people from Jewish, Catholic, Quaker,25 68 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Methodist, Baptist, Mennonite and other2 faith traditions.3 I want to first thank you all4 for giving us the opportunity today to5 express our support in the PA Compact and6 our concerns about the things we're7 seeing happening in the State and the8 City.9 The PA Compact has come at a10 crucial time. When misinformation and11 venomous language like "anchor babies"12 and "illegal aliens" are so pervasive,13 the PA Compact gives us a framework to14 respond and to talk about alternatives15 and to talk about just forms of16 immigration reform.17 I'd like to focus on the law18 enforcement component of the Compact and19 start by thanking Councilman Kenney,20 Blackwell, Councilwoman Blackwell, and21 Councilwoman Sanchez for their comments22 and support for a really remarkable23 resolution that was passed this past24 Thursday.25 69 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Many families with whom we work2 live in constant fear of unjust3 deportation, workplace abuse and4 predatory legislation such as Arizona5 copycat bills and other bills that Judy6 Bernstein-Baker from HIAS referred to.7 But these families remain here and do the8 best that they can to live and work and9 support their families.10 This fear affects not only the11 families, but the neighborhoods, the12 communities and the City as a whole. And13 we in Philadelphia have an opportunity to14 change at least some of these conditions,15 which the resolution referred to on16 Thursday.17 The New Sanctuary Movement of18 Philadelphia will continue to do all that19 we can to support the City Council and20 the Mayor to adopt the PA Compact, not21 only in language but also in action by22 ending the Secure Communities program23 here in Philadelphia and ending ICE24 access to the PARS database.25 70 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 In fact, the New Sanctuary2 Movement has collected almost 2003 personal written letters to the Mayor and4 the District Attorney urging them to go5 along with the resolution and to end6 these harmful programs to the public7 safety of Philadelphia.8 Thank you so much for your9 time.10

Thank you11 for your testimony.12 Please identify yourself for13 the record.14

Good morning. My15 name is Patience Lehrman. I, first of16 all, want to thank Councilmembers for17 introducing this resolution in support of18 the PA Compact. I am the National19 Director of Project SHINE. Project SHINE20 is a national immigrant integration21 initiative at Temple University, which22 was recently recognized by the White23 House as a national model for immigrant24 integration. It mobilizes -- it's found25 71 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 in 14 states around the country. 7 I am from one of the poorest8 countries in the world, Cameroon, West9 Africa. 16 I came to America because I17 believe in American democracy. I was18 introduced to this concept of democracy19 at the tender age of 12 when I learned20 about the Liberty Bell. 25 72 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 When I had the opportunity to2 come to America, I immediately chose3 Philadelphia. S. fleeing from countries9 where the police are a part -- they see10 the police are a part of the state11 apparatus. They see the police as a12 group of people who are not out to13 protect the interest of citizens but to14 victimize citizens. 21 I've been working with the 12th22 Police District in Southwest Philadelphia23 to change the perception of immigrants24 towards the police system. And the 12th25 73 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Police District holds monthly community2 meetings to address community concerns,3 and one of the challenges they face is4 having representation from the immigrant5 community in this part of this City, and6 I've been trying to help change that7 perception. And one of the things I find8 out is that immigrants in this community9 do not trust the police. It is a simple10 issue. The police are not seen as a11 group of people who protect the interest12 of citizens. 14 We must work together in15 support of the PA Compact to change this16 perception, to make the citizens change17 the way they perceive and interact with18 the police force. After all, immigrants19 are an asset. 21 We know that the labor force of22 this City has been expanded tremendously23 since 2000 due to the immigrant24 population in this City. Immigrants25 74 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 revitalize neighborhoods. They increase2 the tax base of the City. They build3 storefronts in abandoned neighborhoods,4 and they are an asset. 14 A sound immigration policy or15 reform is not only good for immigrants,16 it is also good for American-born17 citizens. After all, immigrant18 integration is the rising tide that lifts19 all boats. If immigrants become20 integrated and they're able to leverage21 their assets and their talents and their22 skills, everybody wins. It's good for23 our nation. 25 75 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 6

Thank you7 for your testimony.8 Any questions for this panel?9 (No response.)10

Seeing11 none, thank you very much for coming in.12 Numa St. Louis, Tiguida Kaba.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15

Good16 morning. Please identify yourself for17 the record.18

Good morning.19 Numa F. St. Louis, Haitian Professionals20 of Philadelphia.21

Please22 proceed.23

Thank you for24 having this hearing. I want to thank25 76 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 this Committee. I want to thank the2 members of this Committee for having this3 hearing, especially Councilman Kenney,4 your leadership, Councilwoman Blackwell.5 Your leadership have certainly been a6 great asset to this.7 I'm here to support this8 resolution to have them put forward and9 the Pennsylvania Compact. As my10 colleague, Brad Baldia, mentioned, for11 the first time in 50 years, the City of12 Philadelphia saw an increase in its13 population, and, of course, this had the14 drastic ramification in terms of federal15 dollars, infrastructure, money that the16 City gets from the federal government,17 that the movement afoot in this country18 to demonize immigrants, to somehow paint19 immigrants as the ones responsible for20 all the social woes that this country21 confronts. And I think Philadelphia can22 play a unique role and saying no, that is23 not the case, that immigrants play a24 vital role in this country's livelihood,25 77 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 its social economic development and its2 quality of life, and that is why we are3 in support of this resolution.4 We need to send a clear message5 to the state and to the country that6 immigrants are an asset, that immigrants7 play a vital role. As has been said, our8 labor force has increased, small9 businesses, increase in population. All10 these things are part of the holistic11 approach that we need to demonstrate are12 a part of the growth of the City and the13 State of Pennsylvania.14 There's a lot of copycat15 legislations that are based on the one in16 Arizona, and that is why I think this17 body, this Committee, can send a loud18 message to reject the notion that19 immigrants are here to deprive America of20 its holistic being, that immigrants are21 somehow the ones that are responsible for22 all the social woes that this country is23 affront.24 So I urge this body to show25 78 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 leadership, as it has, to show a2 different light in terms of the role that3 immigrants play in this society.4 Thank you.5

Thank you6 for your testimony.7 Please identify yourself for8 the record.9

Hello. Good10 morning, everybody. My name is Tiguida11 Kaba. I'm the Founder and the Executive12 Director of the African Family Health13 Organization. It's an organization who14 targets African and Caribbean immigrant.15 In the past year, we serve more than 70016 African and Caribbean immigrant in direct17 service, and we outreach to over 2,00018 immigrant.19 So Philadelphia has seen a20 number of immigrant moving here. When I21 was coming in America 22 years ago, what22 the recommendation I got is go to23 Philadelphia, because Philadelphia is the24 first capital of America and it's25 79 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Brotherly City.2 So I was in New York and3 immigrate here 21 years ago, and I have4 opportunity to meet a great man here, who5 is a brother to me, Stanley Straughter,6 and then Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.7 She's doing a wonderful job in that8 community, include all the Council.9 As an immigrant, I been through10 a lot here in this country. I was11 arrested in 2009 just advocating for12 African woman HIV positive. The next13 day, two days later, Immigration arrested14 me in front of my son, who was born here,15 19 years old, in front of him. As a16 single mother, I have to go to jail for17 two months and three weeks, leaving my18 son behind me, who got shot after all19 that, because the mother is not there.20 So immigration should not be --21 should be very comprehensive to22 immigrant, because when you are a mother23 or father, the children, how the children24 going to be? They going to what happened25 80 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 to my son, got shot, for honor student,2 for student of the month, who have been3 working. As a single mother, I know I4 did great job, but if I'm not around,5 nobody will be there to do it for him.6 So in the organization, I'm7 learning. Every day when you walk at my8 door, you see people. You know they need9 help, because healthcare, if you in the10 country and they ask you, you said, "For11 ten years, I never seen a doctor," that12 is a problem there. And for the City of13 Philadelphia, we don't want sick people.14 We want everybody to get healthy.15 HIV, you see people who have16 HIV. They can transmit it to other17 people. So with an organization like our18 organization, we talk to people, we19 educate them, make sure they don't20 transmit the disease to other people.21 And it's a great organization here, like22 HIAS. When I was arrested, HIAS, they23 were behind me, with Councilwoman Jannie24 Blackwell, Stanley Straughter, with all25 81 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 of you. I'm sure everybody was involved.2 So Philadelphia should not be a3 city where police going to be behind4 people as ICE. No. Because as5 Philadelphia, it's known as a city, the6 best city in America.7 I really support that8 resolution and hope this resolution will9 be passed.10 Thank you for all your hard11 work for the African immigrant and all12 the immigrant.13

Thank you14 for your testimony.15

Councilman, I16 thought your pronunciation of my last17 name was pretty good. Do you speak18 French?19

No.20 Actually, I try to pronounce foreign21 names the appropriate way. I think it's22 respectful.23

And I think24 that captures the essence of why you're25 82 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 doing this, being culturally sensitive.2

Thank you.3

I just want to4 say for the record that I'm the5 Vice-Chair of the Haitian Professionals6 of Philadelphia and I'm also a member of7 the Mayor's Commission on African8 American Affairs.9

Thank you.10 Stella Tsai, Tsiwen Law,11 Mia-lia Kiernan.12 (Witnesses approached witness13 table.)14

Please15 identify yourself for the record.16

Good morning. My17 name is Stella Tsai. I am the President18 of the Asian Pacific American Bar19 Association of Pennsylvania, also known20 as APABA-PA, and a partner at the law21 firm of Archer & Greiner. We thank you,22 Councilman Kenney, Councilwoman Blackwell23 and members of the Committee, for the24 opportunity to testify in support of City25 83 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Resolution 110313 to endorse the2 Pennsylvania Compact.3 While the Asian Pacific4 American Bar Association, APABA-PA, being5 lawyers would like to make a few tweaks6 to the language of the Compact, we agree7 with the fundamental principles that it8 lays out for the analysis of the9 Pennsylvania legislation to regulate10 immigration. I'd like to highlight a few11 points in our prepared remarks.12 First, we agree that regulation13 of immigration is reserved exclusively to14 the federal government, because only a15 sovereign power can enforce its borders.16 This has been the law of the United17 States since the 19th century when the18 United States Supreme Court upheld the19 Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the20 U.S. Customs Office's ability to bar21 reentry of Chinese immigrants to their22 domiciles in the United States.23 Second, as you move from that24 chapter, we agree that the state and25 84 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 local policies of the -- excuse me;2 political subdivisions should not be3 burdened with enforcing federal4 immigration law. Only the immigration5 law judge has the power to determine an6 individual's immigrant status. State and7 local law enforcement officials should be8 devoted to prosecution of criminal9 activity, which depends on the success10 and willingness of witnesses, immigrants,11 documented, undocumented, to come12 forward. They cannot be expected to13 enforce civil violations of immigration14 law without undermining community15 policing.16 Third, we agree that strong17 families are the foundation of our18 communities, and we support immigration19 laws and policies which keep families20 together. To this point, in our own21 community in Philadelphia and beyond,22 Cambodian families are being torn apart23 by a record number of deportations24 predicated on convictions based on,25 85 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 quote/unquote, aggravated felonies, some2 of them decades old, without a hearing.3 We need to raise our voices in support of4 these communities and these refugees who5 pose no threat to our society but rather6 make substantial contributions. We need7 to advocate for changes to these federal8 laws which would deny an individual, some9 here for many, many years, a hearing on10 their immigration status.11 My colleague, Tsiwen Law, will12 address some other points that the Asian13 Bar would like to make.14

Please15 identify yourself for the record.16

Good morning. I'm17 Tsiwen Law. 22 I'm here to address the23 E-verify system, which appears in seven24 of the bills now pending in Harrisburg,25 86 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 9 What E-verify does is, it10 creates an additional layer of11 requirements on any employer, including12 you as an employer here in City Council,13 to use the electronic verification system14 that's really, really limited right now15 to federal contractors. But this state16 legislation will require political17 subdivisions to also engage in E-verify18 as mandatory. 20 In addition to verifying each21 employee after they've done the I-9 form22 that you collect and put in the file for23 three years, you have to check vendors24 who come to supply the water bottles,25 87 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 7 And so every employer, whether a private8 employer, you receive government funds,9 particularly if you receive government10 funds, has to have this additional layer11 of recordkeeping, which will cost in the12 millions of dollars ultimately. 20 Well, this adds an additional layer. If21 immigrants are required now, whether they22 receive government funds for their23 businesses or not, now participate in the24 E-verify program, because it's a program25 88 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 by which you become a contractor with the2 federal government before you can have3 access, and as a result of that, when an4 employee comes to you, they fill out I-9,5 you have to -- it's only for new hires,6 and they have to be given the job. So7 they're working, but if they come up with8 a mismatch from the electronic system,9 they have three days -- you have to give10 them written notification. They have11 three days then to challenge that, say12 that I want to disagree with this13 mismatch that came up either on my Social14 Security number or on my other15 identification. They then have -- you16 have to give them ten days to go down to17 Social Security Administration or to the18 Department of Homeland Security to clear19 up their records. 24 But you think of how this works25 89 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 on a construction job where you are under2 penalties to complete a job by a certain3 time and you're brought in by the general4 contractor and you have only so much time5 and you've got people who have mismatches6 in their E-verify information. S. S. citizens. The result24 of that is that some 3,000 jobs during25 90 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 15 So this is an additional system16 that needs to be exposed as really what17 it is, which is not intended for18 widespread use. S. 21 But under the proposed legislation in22 Harrisburg, all employers, all political23 subdivisions, private employers would be24 required to engage in this system despite25 91 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 the failure rates. 10 And employers -- the11 legislation attempts to assure employers12 that they're okay if they use the13 E-verify system by saying that you're14 immunized from state liability, even15 though the law gives anybody a right to16 go challenge somebody else's status. 25 92 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 But as a part of that, the2 problem is that -- there is an Office of3 Special Counsel that's created to4 prosecute anybody that uses the system5 wrongly, that abuses the system. For6 example, you can't use it to pre-screen7 applicants, and if you do, then you'll be8 subject to federal prosecution. Well,9 the state legislation cannot immunize a10 private employer or even City Council11 from abusing this system. You'll still12 be prosecuted by the Office of Special13 Counsel in the Department of Justice. So14 the assurances that the state legislation15 gives you that if you use the E-verify16 system you're safe is pretty false, and17 this has to be exposed. 21

It would22 seem to me that this would be a naturally23 opposed piece of legislation by the state24 Chambers of Commerce throughout the25 93 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Commonwealth. I mean, talking about a2 level of responsibility and cost that we3 mandate upon a private company would seem4 to be something that they would normally5 be in here complaining about or being in6 the State Legislature complaining about.7 Have you noticed any Chamber8 activity in regards to the opposition of9 these bills?10

Not the Chamber11 itself, but the Pennsylvania Housing --12 the Building Contractors Association has13 gone on record against it and a number of14 business organizations have been starting15 to weigh in on it, as they learn more16 about the problems with this system and17 how it creates more burdens and more18 regulatory problems for them.19

Okay.20 Please identify yourself for21 the record.22

Good morning. My23 name is Mia-lia Kiernan and I'm an24 organizer with a group called One Love25 94 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Movement. 12 Sorry. 14 They were subsequently held at15 York County Prison for over eight months,16 until they were removed to Cambodia about17 a month ago. This process of prolonged18 detention and unjust deportation has been19 detrimental to the families and to the20 community as a whole. These individuals21 were detained and deported on the basis22 of crimes committed as youth or young23 adults. One in particular was deported24 for his role in a youth street fight in25 95 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Olney when he was 15, and he was charged2 as an adult by our District Attorney's3 Office, which made him subject to4 permanent deportation. 24 Children were waiting outside of the25 96 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 building for them, but they never came2 out. 5 The lack of notice was jarring6 to everybody. 13 As the long months went on, the14 inhumanity of indefinite incarceration15 wore on everyone, and they were only16 subject to three 30-minute visits a week17 through glass and a telephone receiver,18 really high-rate phone calls to loved19 ones that cut off after 20 minutes, and20 no access to income -- or to provide21 income for their families. 25 97 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 4 ICE tries to maintain that5 their holding facilities are family6 friendly, but they're not. 13 These are Philadelphia's14 children, children that go to our public15 schools, children that we are supposed to16 support and protect from harm. 23 One individual was deported without even24 the opportunity to have his family drop25 98 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 off luggage for him at the prison. 5 Another man was moved from York6 County Prison. 12 We can't be part of allowing13 children and families to go through this14 terrible process in our city. 20 We urge City Council to21 consider the implications of deporting22 people who came here as child refugees23 and all the trauma that comes with that24 experience and to consider the25 99 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 9

Thank you.10 I just think the irony here is is that I11 would suspect that much of our Cambodian12 immigration and Laotian immigration was a13 direct result of our stupid policies of14 Southeast Asia, which created the deaths15 of 58,000 Americans and drove people out16 of that country here. And now we round17 them up again, similar to what they had18 experienced in their history, and do19 these things.20 I mean, we had 32 shootings21 over this weekend. Thirty-two people22 were shot in the City. If ICE wants to23 ensure secure communities, they can come24 and help us with our policing of our25 100 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 native-born Americans and do something2 positive for a change.3 It's galling to listen to this.4 It's just so un-American, and just it5 flies in the face of what we're supposed6 to stand for. I just think that7 hopefully hearings like this will8 continue to bring this information to the9 fore. Whether it makes ICE any different10 or not, I sadly doubt it, but this kind11 of action is just unconscionable. So12 keep on trying.13

I appreciate your14 comments.15

Any16 questions for these witnesses?17 (No response.)18

Thank you.19

Council, if I might20 just move my testimony into the record.21

Yes,22 please.23

Thank you.24

I love25 101 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 lawyers. Thank you.2 Blanca Pacheco, Pastor Aldo3 Siahaan, Fernanda Marroguin.4

Pastor Aldo won't be5 speaking, so if you can skip to the next6 person on the list.7

Okay.8 Thank you.9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11

Just one?12

Fernanda will be13 speaking, but Pastor Aldo will not.14

Okay.15 Come forward, please.16 (Witness approached witness17 table.)18

Please19 identify yourself for the record and pull20 that microphone close to you.21

Hello. Good22 morning.23

Good24 morning.25 102 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131

My name is Blanca2 and I am part of the New Sanctuary3 Movement and I also work in a law firm,4 which law firm we call Crimmigration,5 because we deal with criminal and6 immigration issues. 11 Most of our clients are12 Latinos, Jamaicans and a couple Indians13 and Russians. " The15 crimes these people committed is driving16 without a license, traffic violations,17 DUI, domestic violence or just that they18 look Mexican. 22 When a US citizen is stopped on23 the street by the police, what they are24 thinking, what is that they have in their25 103 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 5 For an illegal alien, it's6 really different and very difficult7 today, because what is in their head is8 like, What's going to happen with me; who9 do I need to call; what's going to happen10 with my family, with my kids; who I will11 borrow money from because I will need to12 be paying bond in an immigration hearing13 or in a criminal jail; how long will I be14 in jail. 18 Now I would like to share a19 typical day in my workplace. 22 Okay. 24 He was going to work 6:00 in25 104 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 11 Another story, there is a woman12 calling to the office crying and saying,13 I don't know what to do. My kids are14 really scared. The police show up to my15 house, point us with a gun and took my16 husband. 17 I have no idea where he is, and my kids18 are really scared and I'm really19 confused. 20 She is a US citizen and her21 five kids are US citizen and her husband22 is a green card holder. He was put in23 jail just because there was a mistake and24 he had a criminal record, who he paid for25 105 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 in the past. 12 People can't get help from the13 police, can't get protection, because14 they're afraid. So I am sure that these15 five kids who the father was detained by16 Immigration, they're really afraid of the17 police now. 25 106 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 3 People can get an IRS number where they4 can use to pay taxes or sometimes this is5 good to open a bank account. They can6 pay taxes, but they don't get any benefit7 of it. 8 They can do nothing. 11 The immigration policies are12 wrong, and I would like to urge this13 Committee to help pass law and to -- for14 people who is in power to push for an15 immigration reform. 20

I have a21 question about the situation with the22 five kids where the green card holder was23 taken. Was he taken by Philadelphia24 Police or by ICE?25 107 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131

By Philadelphia2 Police.3

What was4 the reason that the Philadelphia Police5 came to the house?6

They were looking7 for someone else.8

Do you have9 the paperwork, the arrest paperwork from10 the Philadelphia Police?11

Yeah. The12 attorney will have it. He had a criminal13 background in another state, which he14 paid for and everything was fixed.15

I would16 like to see who in the Philadelphia17 Police Department directed or conducted18 that operation at that home.19

Okay.20

Because21 part of what the problem here is, in many22 ways, is the attitude of the Police23 Department in this activity, and I will24 harken back to Commissioner Timoney, who25 108 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 was an immigrant himself from New York,2 was just astounded that we had a3 regulation requiring the Philadelphia4 Police to turn over information on people5 who were victims of a crime, witnesses to6 a crime, in a car accident. I mean, he7 was beside himself with the notion that8 the Philadelphia Police Department would9 participate in providing information to a10 federal agency about folks like this.11 I think, and sadly -- I mean,12 again, I have a lot of respect for13 Commissioner Ramsey, but I sense that14 that whole model has changed and that15 it's somehow a regular activity that the16 police cooperate with ICE, even when a17 person hasn't done anything. And that's18 what's upsetting to me and that's the19 reason for the resolution on Thursday, is20 that I don't think our police should be21 assisting in any way ICE, unless the22 person is being accused of a serious23 crime or is a terrorist. And I think24 that's where -- we're continually told25 109 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 the police don't have time to do certain2 activities, but they certainly seem to3 have time to do this. And I would like4 to use that information to get to the5 bottom of how that all unfolded, from a6 9-1-1 call right through the system and7 who directed who and was there a8 supervisor on the scene or sergeant or9 lieutenant who said, yes, take that10 person. I would like to get all that11 information as almost like a test case12 and how we get into this situation.13

Okay.14

So you can15 provide the Chair with that information16 or have an attorney contact me who is17 involved. I would like to track it18 through as a case study.19

Okay. This type20 of case is like -- Secure Communities is21 destroying families every day, and this22 is just two of the stories of many.23

But it's24 bad enough when ICE does it. It's25 110 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 unconscionable when our police are2 participating in it. I mean, ICE is what3 they are. Our folks are supposed to be4 our folks, not their folks.5 So I would appreciate that6 information.7

Thank you.8

Please9 identify yourself.10

Good morning.11 My name is Fernanda Marroguin, and I am12 undocumented. I'm a member of13 DreamActivist Pennsylvania, an14 undocumented youth-led organization that15 is committed to defending the rights of16 immigrant youth. So as undocumented17 youth, we will stand up for ourselves,18 our families and our communities.19 My parents brought me to the20 United States 11 years ago after their21 business fell apart due to the economic22 crisis of Peru, my home country. We came23 here on a tourist visa, which expired six24 months after our arrival. They made the25 111 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 tough decision of leaving everything2 behind to give my siblings and me a3 better future and a better education.4 They enrolled me in elementary5 school, and I quickly adapted to the6 American lifestyle and learned the7 country's history. I began identifying8 myself as an American and as a9 Pennsylvanian.10 I did not know what being11 undocumented meant, until my last year of12 high school when I attempted to apply for13 college. My friends, anticipating their14 own future adventures, would ask me which15 university I was planning on attending,16 and I would always respond with an17 uncertain, "I don't know."18 I felt ashamed and I was19 afraid. I was ashamed that I could not20 make my parents proud, ashamed that I had21 to stay behind while all my friends22 fulfill their dreams, and I was afraid23 that my family would be broken apart by24 deportation.25 112 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 No human being should have to2 feel like that, and no human being should3 be forced to live in the shadows.4 But today I can truly say that5 I am undocumented and I am unafraid, and6 I've decided to take a stand on this7 personal issue, because I cannot watch my8 community suffer without stepping up and9 doing something about it.10 I'm a current student in11 Montgomery County Community College, but12 I can only afford to take two to three13 classes per semester because I have to14 pay as an international student. As an15 international student, I pay three times16 the amount my friends pay, all out of my17 pocket, even though my parents pay18 Pennsylvania state taxes.19 There is a bill that was20 introduced by Representative Tony Payton21 on Monday, June 20th called the22 Pennsylvania Dream Act, House Bill 1695.23 The Pennsylvania Dream Act is a24 tuition-equity legislation that would25 113 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 allow undocumented youth in Pennsylvania2 to pay in-state tuition rates of public3 institutions of higher education,4 provided we meet certain requirements.5 Some of those requirements include having6 attended a public or non-public secondary7 school in the Commonwealth for at least8 three years, graduating from a9 Pennsylvania high school, and the student10 or parent must have paid income taxes for11 the past three years in the State of12 Pennsylvania.13 The bill will provide14 much-needed relief to undocumented youth15 like me residing in the State of16 Pennsylvania, who only wish to contribute17 to the state's economic well-being. We18 are attending and graduated from the19 state schools and deserve an opportunity20 to achieve our dreams and goals of higher21 education.22 And this is also why the23 Pennsylvania Compact is important. It24 would provide undocumented immigrants25 114 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 like me, who only wish to contribute back2 to Pennsylvania's economic well-being,3 much-needed relief.4 I'd like to thank the Council5 for allowing me to share my story to show6 how the Pennsylvania Compact would7 benefit not only immigrants living in the8 state but all residents living in this9 great state.10

Thank you11 very much for your testimony.12 Are there any questions for13 these two witnesses?14 (No response.)15

Seeing16 none, we thank you for coming in.17 Eva Serrano, Edgar Ramirez,18 Carlos Rojas.19 (Witnesses approached witness20 table.)21 THE INTERPRETER: I'm going to22 be translating for all of them.23

Fine.24 Whoever is ready to start,25 115 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 please identify yourself for the record.2 MS. SERRANO (through3 interpreter): Good morning to the Board.4 My name is Eva Serrano and I am part of5 JUNTOS and the New Sanctuary Movement.6 I arrived in America in 1996.7 I arrived with my three children escaping8 domestic violence. I arrived here9 seeking refuge and to make a new life.10 My son was 16 years old and he11 was arrested in 2007. He was attending a12 party and he was with a friend who had13 drank too much and he had tried to drive14 him home. On the way home on Dickinson15 Street, my son's friend was slashing16 tires and my son was trying to stop him.17 On the way back, neighbors arrested my18 son and his friend because of what had19 happened, even though they had told him20 that he was innocent.21 When I went to the police22 station to pick up my son, an ICE agent23 appeared and they demanded an24 identification. When I arrived there,25 116 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 the ICE agent told me that anyone that2 arrived at a police station had to go3 through ICE.4 In my son's case, he was found5 innocent because there were witnesses.6 Even though my son went to court and he7 was found innocent, ICE still wants to8 deport him. With what has happened, we9 are now afraid to report any crimes to10 police because of fear of being deported.11 I believe that the City of12 Philadelphia Police has to cut ties with13 ICE. The police should not have a right14 to share such information with ICE. The15 police is basing their decisions on the16 appearance of people and their skin17 color, and I do not feel safe.18 I hope that the City approves19 laws that are more pro-immigrant. We are20 hard-working people and we support the21 growth of our city. We deserve the same22 rights as everyone else. And I ask that23 you analyze all of these testimonies.24 Thank you.25 117 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131

De nada.2 Please identify yourself for3 the record.4

Buenos dias.5

Buenos6 dias.7 MR. RAMIREZ (through8 interpreter): Thank you for the chance9 to share my testimony. My name is Edgar10 Ramirez and I am an immigrant from Mexico11 that has been living in Philadelphia for12 the past five years.13 Since I've arrived in14 Philadelphia, I have been working very15 hard. I'm a member of three community16 organizations that work for immigrant17 rights. Our main goal is to work with18 people to be respectful citizens and to19 be part of all of the opportunities that20 are in this City.21 We have helped with the22 creation of more than 30 businesses in23 the City of Philadelphia. However, to24 continue this, we need the City of25 118 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Philadelphia to pass laws that continue2 allowing the growth of businesses.3 For the past days, our4 community has been very scared about all5 of the laws that have been passed, and we6 believe that it is very necessary to pass7 laws that foster a sense of peace rather8 than continue its fear.9 I am very excited to be here,10 because I know that from this gathering,11 a resolution will arise, because the12 entire country sees Philadelphia as a13 place where new ideas and new14 opportunities will arise.15 Gracias.16

De nada.17 Please identify yourself for18 the record.19 MR. SANCHEZ (through20 interpreter): Thank you for the21 opportunity of giving my testimony. My22 name is Carlos Pascual Sanchez and I am23 an immigrant. I am a worker here in24 Philadelphia and I work around 60 to 6525 119 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 hours a week. In my spare time, I am a2 volunteer at JUNTOS in South3 Philadelphia.4 By being a worker in5 Philadelphia, I have had the chance to6 meet other immigrants who work just as7 long or even longer hours than I do. Our8 reason for immigrating to Philadelphia9 has been in search of a new opportunity10 and a new place, and all we are looking11 for is a place where we can work and12 raise our families.13 In the past, the community of14 South Philadelphia had come to an15 agreement with the police there that16 corridors of safety were going to be17 created. Ties of trust had been formed18 between the community of South19 Philadelphia and the police regarding the20 security, but as a result of Secure21 Communities, these ties have been broken.22 Now, as a result, the Latino community in23 South Philadelphia is very distrustful of24 the police and it is very rare that25 120 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 anyone will come forward and testify.2 The children of a friend of3 mine used to see police officers as their4 heroes, as a form of a Superman, but now5 when they see them, they break out in6 tears.7 Thank you for the chance to8 speak.9

Thank you.10 Any questions for these11 witnesses?12 (No response.)13

Let me make14 one comment relative to language, and I15 think it's important in South16 Philadelphia that we recognize this.17 There was a controversy -- and18 I won't go into the whole controversy19 about the speak English issue, but20 there's a church in South Philadelphia21 that every Sunday morning has their 822 o'clock mass in Italian. And the23 Italians have been here over a hundred24 years and there's still people in South25 121 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 Philadelphia who want to worship in their2 native language, even though they've been3 here a long time.4 So I think learning English is5 a wonderful thing, but holding on to your6 culture is also important.7

We are working8 and learning the language. It's hard. I9 told you I'm working about 60, 65 hours10 by week. In my free time, I working with11 JUNTOS organization. So I don't have too12 much time. I would like to take English13 classes to learn and improve my English,14 but for now it's a little difficult.15

First of16 all, your English is better than my17 Spanish.18

Thanks.19

And my20 point of my story was that even after21 over a hundred years of Italian22 immigration in South Philadelphia, there23 are still locations where people prefer24 to worship and to speak Italian, and25 122 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 that's a wonderful thing. Your English2 is coming along wonderfully, but it's3 important that we understand that we can4 speak English and also hold on to our5 culture and our other languages, as the6 Italians have done.7 The sad part about the Irish is8 that the English beat Gaelic out of us a9 long time ago, many hundreds of years10 ago, or we would still be able to hold on11 to our language and culture, but it was12 forbidden in Ireland when it was under13 control of the English to teach the14 Gaelic language, so it very much faded15 away.16 I don't want to see Spanish17 fading away. I'd like to see people18 speak English and learn English, but19 don't ever lose -- hold on to your own20 culture. It's very important.21 So gracias.22

Thanks.23

That is the24 end of our witness list. I want to thank25 123 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 everybody, Councilman Goode for staying2 the entire hearing, Councilwoman Brown3 for a long period of time, Councilmember4 Greenlee and Councilmember Blackwell.5

May I6 likewise. We have Vernon Price here, who7 has been here --8

Mr. Price,9 I'm sorry. How are you? Good to see10 you. For the District Attorney's11 Office --12

Yes.13 He's been here our whole hearing.14

-- who was15 here the entire time. Thank you. And16 hopefully he will take back the messages17 that he heard here to his boss.18

He's19 invaluable to us in our struggles.20

Yes.21 Absolutely.22 But I want you to understand23 that we're not going to stop with this24 hearing. We're going to continue on25 124 6/28/11 - LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT - RES. 1103131 bringing these issues to the forefront.2 Hopefully -- the press, I know, is here.3 We had some electronic press here.4 Pennsylvania is a very5 difficult state. Daryl Metcalfe is not6 an open-minded individual, and some of7 those folks up there forgot where they8 came from also, but we'll continue to9 push this story and to push this issue,10 and we thank you all for your attendance11 today. So good luck.12 (Applause.)13 (Committee on Legislative14 Oversight concluded at 12:10 p.m.)15 - - -16 17 18 19 20 21 22 125 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on June 28, 2011, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 --------------------13 MICHELE L. MURPHY14 RPR-Notary Public15 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23